Featured Publications

Human activity recognition using inertial, physiological, and environmental sensors

This survey focuses on critical role of machine learning in developing Human Activity Recognition applications based on inertial sensors in conjunction with physiological and environmental sensors.

diagram showing a person with a walker

Discovery and validation of urinary molecular signature of early sepsis

The first ever study to use urinary cellular gene expression to study sepsis. Researchers identified alterations in gene expression unique to systemic and kidney-specific pathophysiologic processes using whole-genome analyses of RNA isolated from the urinary cells of sepsis patients.

diagram of kidney

Clinical trajectories of acute kidney injury in surgical sepsis: A prospective observational study 

Among critically ill surgical sepsis patients, persistent AKI and the absence of renal recovery are associated with distinct early and sustained immunologic and endothelial biomarker signatures and decreased long-term physical function and survival.

graph showing survival probability versus months after sepsis onset

Audiovisual modules to enhance informed consent in the ICU: A pilot study

Audiovisual modules may improve knowledge and comprehension of commonly performed ICU procedures among critically ill patients and caregivers who have no healthcare background.

Critical Care Explorations journal cover

Extended vertical lists for temporal pattern mining from multivariate time series

In this paper, the problem of mining complex temporal patterns in the context of multivariate time series is considered. A new method called the Fast Temporal Pattern Mining with Extended Vertical Lists.

graph showing pattern length versus computational time

Reinforcement learning in surgery

Patients and physicians make essential decisions regarding diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. These actions should be performed or deferred under time constraints and uncertainty regarding patients’ diagnoses and predicted response to treatment. This may lead to cognitive and judgment errors.

diagram showing reinforcement learning framework and challenges in development of reinforcement learning models

Artificial intelligence in acute medicine: a call to action

As AI continues to transform healthcare, it is crucial to address the technical, ethical, and social challenges that arise. AI is evolving from a mere tool to an assistant, and potentially a colleague. Likewise, AI must adhere to the same ethical standards colleagues follow to ensure credibility and trust remains. Our literature review, led by Maurizio Cecconi, explores the importance of data standardization, real-time ICU networks, and education in integrating AI into acute medicine. By focusing on these areas, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and strengthen the trust between healthcare providers and patients. Join us in advancing responsible AI practices that uphold integrity in clinical settings.

cecconi

Intraoperative hypotension and postoperative acute kidney injury: A systematic review

Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) is tied to costly postoperative complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Better IOH control in non-cardiac surgeries alone could reduce postoperative costs by $1.6 million annually for hospitals with 10,000 patients.

Despite its effectiveness, there is no clean consensus on safe intraoperative blood pressure levels that protect against AKI, leaving clinicals without standardized guidelines for managing hypotension during surgery. 

Our latest research delves into defining IOH thresholds to mitigate AKI risks, aiming to guide safer and more cost-effective surgical practices.

IOH